Phyllis G. Barnes

Phyllis G. Barnes, 87, of Kuttawa, Ky., formerly of rural Eleva, died Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Baptist Health Paducah, Ky. Phyllis was born March 15, 1932 in Eau Claire, Wis., to Sam I. and Gertie (Edison) Gunderson. Mom was so many things to so many people it's hard to put in words. She was a loving wife, a wonderful mother and a compassionate friend to many. She always expressed genuine love and gave it constantly. She found great joy as a grandmother, always on the go with her grand kids and her camera, never missing an opportunity to snap a picture of each memorable moment. She truly loved her family. Possessing a fearless sense of adventure, she loved to travel and visited many places around the country and the world. She never missed an opportunity to talk to someone new and never hesitated to boldly share her faith in Jesus Christ, the relationship she valued most and wanted to share with everyone. As a talented artist she gave us a remarkable look at how she saw life through her outstanding canvas oil paintings. Her creative ability also stood out as an award-winning cook. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and ensured that family recipes could be passed down to the next generation. She loved to create memories with food. She also loved to be outdoors and enjoyed playing golf with Dad wherever their travels would take them.  If you knew Phyllis, you knew that her smile was engaging and that she absolutely loved to talk to people. She lived to serve others and was usually the first to offer help to a stranger or a word of encouragement to someone in need. She had many, many friends. Those closest to her loved her for all that she was. From the closest of friends for many years to the most distant of relatives over many miles, she worked very hard to stay connected through letters and frequent phone calls. She truly understood the value of relationships. Phyllis lived each day with a profound sense of peace and joy and is loved and will be dearly missed. On Saturday, June 22, 2019, Phyllis went home to be with her Lord and Savior. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Robert A. Barnes; son, Robert M. (Rebecca S.) Barnes; daughter, Suzanne L. (C. Kirk) Gaut; two grandsons, Zachary R. and Nathan L. Barnes. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Curtis M. Gunderson. Graveside services will be held at noon on Friday, June 28, 2019 at East Bennett Valley Cemetery, rural Eleva To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Phyllis G. Barnes, please visit our flower store.